Zebrafish as a Model System to Study Skin Biology and Pathology

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Several animal models have been developed to recapitulate the features of specific skin diseases, and such model systems have provided valuable insight into the pathomechanistic details of these diseases. They have also provided useful systems for testing of treatment modalities for a number of conditions. The preferred platform for such model development has been the mouse, often through the development of “knockout” mice or by development of transgenic mice with expression of the mutant genes. Although the mouse models have often demonstrated remarkable similarity to human diseases, mice as a model system have considerable limitations, including relatively long lifespan and high cost of development. Also, the genetic background of the mouse strains can have a major influence on the development of the disease phenotype. In some cases, development of the mouse model is not feasible because of the absence of the corresponding gene in the mouse genome. These considerations, particularly in conjunction with cost-containment issues, have prompted the search for an alternative model system to study skin diseases. In fact, Vanchieri (2001) suggested, “Move over mouse: make way for the woodchucks, ferrets, and zebrafish,” and Lieschke and Currie (2007) said, “Animal models of human disease: zebrafish swim into view.”